Phil Valko

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Sustainability | Washington University in St. Louis

Phil Valko is a social entrepreneur who enjoys tackling challenging problems with interdisciplinary groups of collaborators. As Assistant Vice Chancellor for Sustainability at Washington University, Phil works with senior administrators, faculty, staff and students to incorporate and implement sustainable practices into the university’s strategic planning, operations, resource management, and community partnerships. Since joining Washington University in August 2011, Phil and his talented team have significantly expanded Washington University’s sustainability work, including the development of a robust 22-student intern program that aims to cultivate the next generation of sustainability leaders. Phil plays a key role stewarding the university’s green building efforts, including the development of campus design/performance guidelines, LEED certification of university projects, and a test bed that seeks to chart a path to NZE in 100-year-old multi-family renovations. Phil led the development of and stewards the implementation of the University’s GHG emissions reduction goal, which aims to return campus emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 through aggressive on-site energy conservation initiatives. Phil also leads the development of university renewable energy projects, including over half a megawatt of solar photovoltaic projects in a challenging solar market. Most recently, Phil has played a key role exploring cutting-edge low-carbon district energy concepts and district blackwater treatment concepts for an upcoming major campus development.